The California Victim Compensation Board

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) can help pay bills and expenses that result from violent crime. Victims of crime who have been injured or have been threatened with injury may be eligible for help.

What Expenses Can CalVCB Help Pay?

Loss of support for dependents when a victim is killed or disabled because of a crime

Home or vehicle modifications

Home security

Relocation

Crime scene cleanup

CalVCB cannot pay for any expense not related to the crime, any expenses paid by insurance or another source of reimbursement or coverage, expenses for lost, stolen or damaged property, or damages for pain and suffering.

There are limits on how much can be paid for each loss.

CalVCB cannot pay any expenses incurred while a person is on parole, probation or post-release community supervision for a violent felony; incarcerated or required to register as a sex offender. This does not affect an application’s eligibility. It instead stops payment for expenses that are incurred during incarceration and felon or registered sex offender status.

How Do I Apply for Compensation?

There are four ways to apply:

Contact the local Victim Witness Assistance Center in your county. A victim advocate at the Center can help victims complete and submit the application. The victim advocate can also help victims learn more about the criminal justice system.

When Submitting an Application, Remember:

Include copies of available crime reports, bills, receipts and supporting documentation with the application.

Send copies of bills to the insurance company, workers' compensation carrier, or Medi-Cal right away. CalVCB will correspond with such providers as needed to verify benefits and coordinate payment of bills.

Read the CalVCB Connection Blog

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